Holiday season focuses attention on eating disorders
by Kristin Johansen, Reporter

   Now that the holidays are arriving soon, eating disorders may become more prevalent, especially among college students.
Many think these people just have a problem with food, but their real problems are much deeper and seem to subsist more toward the holidays, experts say.
   People underestimate the severity of disordered eating in U.S. society. Anita Peters, a counselor at TCC, points out that eating disorders are an “irreversible life matter.”
   The most prominent and well-known eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. These, however, are just two of many. Others include Binge Eating Disorder, Compulsive overeating, and EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified).
   Anorexia is among the most common to physically detect, Peters said.
  Individuals with anorexia experience significant weight loss from intense dieting. At the same time, they see themselves as being fat. They avoid food and undergo intense exercise. This need to be thin is very serious and 10-20 percent of people with anorexia die, according to mirror-mirror.org.
   Food, being a huge factor in an anorexic’s life, however, is not the only factor. Most have very low self-esteem and believe they do not deserve to eat.
    Usually something is going on in their lives for them to turn to this disorder, according to mirror-mirror.org. They cannot control their lives, so they control their weight.
   Although this is a deadly disorder, it is curable, Peters said. Admitting the problem and seeking help are the first steps, but experts say these simple steps are very hard for anorexics to take. Once they admit the problem, they can be treated with psychological and medical care.
   Also deadly, bulimia is very different from anorexia. Bulimia involves the pattern of binge eating following by purging. Purging can involve fasting, immense exercise, use of diuretics, enemas and diet pills; however, the most common forms are vomiting and the use of laxatives.
   Like anorexics, bulimics have very low self-esteem, Peters said. They see food as their only comfort and use it to suppress feelings.
   In contrast to anorexics, bulimics, according to mirror-mirror.org are more likely to admit their problems and seek help.
   Experts agree that most bulimics and anorexics do not even know the kind of physical trauma they are putting their bodies through.
  Both have serious complications including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, dehydration, constipation, irregular heartbeats, depression, hair loss, kidney and liver damage, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac arrest and death. Those are just to name a few.
   The next disorder is on the opposite end of the eating disorder genre. Binge Eating Disorder involves eating large amounts of food in short time periods.   Most eat until they are painfully full.
  Unlike bulimics, binge eaters, according to WebMDhealth, do not purge what they eat. In comparison, they use food to deal with the stresses in their lives.
  Major health risks with this disorder include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, liver and kidney problems, cardiac arrest and death.
  Compulsive overeating is very much like Binge Eating. It is characterized by uncontrollable eating and weight gain. These people also use food to cope with stress and problems in their lives and, like anorexics, have a hard time recognizing they have a problem.
   This disorder usually starts in childhood. Victims found food as comforting and as a way of coping with problems. A significant common theme in this disorder, according to mirror-mirror.org, is that many are also victims of sexual abuse and several are male. These compulsive eaters try very hard to diet, which in turn leads them to another binge session.
   Main health problems with compulsive overeating include diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest and death. Like the previous disorders, it is deadly, but can be treated and cured.
  Eating disorders keep rising among college students in this society. Most students turn to eating disorders due to the added stress of college life, Peters said, because so many responsibilities are added to students upon entering college.
   Getting help is just the beginning, Emily Haeussler, R.D., L.D. and nutrition therapist, said. In her private practice, she works with many people suffering from eating disorders.
  Haeussler has more than 20 years of experience with eating disorders and weight issues.
  According to Haeussler, people should ask for help as soon as they have the slightest concern they may have a problem with eating.
  Another problem with college students is that they do not even know they have an eating disorder. So many people are abusing food, Haeussler said, it has become accepted and the norm among campuses and dorms.
  Many colleges, however, are seeing this problem rise and offering help. Most campuses have counselors whom students can go and talk to, Haeussler said.
  “The easiest way for a college student to get help/advice for an eating disorder is to first contact the counseling office,” she said.
  Locally, TCU has established the Disordered Eating Networking Team (DENT) organization on campus to specifically help stop the growing numbers of students with these problems.
  At TCC, students can talk to counselors, Peters, a licensed LPC, said. A TCC counselor for 10 years, she advises those with eating problems to discuss their options with a counselor and to see a nutritionist.
  “Information is power, and these people need to be shown what are normal eating patterns,” she said.
  According to Peters, most of these individuals are too hard on themselves and are high achievers who are bright and talented.
   “We need to reduce the shame in their lives,” she said.
   Although most people affected by eating disorders are women, the male percentage is rising, Haeussler, a licensed dietician, said.
  “With the increased awareness of eating disorders, many men are coming forth who have had eating disorders for 20-30 years. I have seen anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder in men as well as women,” she said.
  Peters said she has noticed in her private practice that more males are having problems, especially with compulsive overeating.
  Someone with an eating disorder has many options, Haeussler said.
  “When approaching a friend, always ask how they are feeling and tell them you’re concerned about them. Don’t comment on food or weight,” she said.
  Various types of assistance are available for those suffering from disordered eating. The Elise Project works to help young people with these disorders.   For help, call 1-866-TEP-1999.
  Students can also anonymously ask licensed professionals questions on the Internet at http://findingbalance.com.